Work ongoing in setting up NARA, says Williams

Finance Minister Fayval Williams says the Government is working behind the scenes to have the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NARA) up and running in the shortest possible time, noting that significant work must be completed before it becomes operational.

The authority was announced following the passage of Hurricane Melissa and will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating the country’s rebuilding efforts. Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness said it would be a statutory body, established through legislation.

The legislation to govern its operations has not yet been tabled.

Opposition Spokesman on Finance Julian Robinson sought a status update from the minister, including a timeline for its establishment, during today’s sitting of the Standing Finance Committee, which is examining the budget.

“Currently, I know that the technical team is hard at work to get NARA up and running. It would be a statutory body with all the laws and regulations surrounding statutory bodies. So that, as we speak, is in train. You know that legislation would have to resort to Parliament to get that set up. So that would be the first order of the day,” Williams said in response to Robinson.

Robinson, however, pressed for specifics regarding a timeline.

“So, could you give a timeframe? Are we talking first quarter next fiscal year, second quarter? Give an estimate as to when you think it would be operational,” he queried.

“As indicated, member, quite a bit of work is going on. We have to get the legislative work done first. Once that is done, people have to be hired. I know already the Prime Minister has his list of projects that he is prioritising to get done. These will be large projects that will be done through this entity. So there is some work being done, but the team is moving swiftly to get it done,” Williams said during the Standing Finance Committee’s examination of the 2026/2027 Budget.

In an apparent concession that he might not get a timeline, Robinson asked whether the minister could return before the meeting concluded if an update became available.

“So, Member, there are still matters being discussed in Cabinet. As soon as we have all the approvals from Cabinet, I am sure the Prime Minister will speak to the exact timeframe for the establishment and operation of this entity,” she replied.

The Prime Minister said NARA will lead, fast-track and oversee the rebuilding process, focusing on rebuilding better by creating safer homes, more climate-resilient infrastructure, and improved land-use planning.

The authority will also facilitate the relocation of individuals from high-risk zones to environmentally safer areas.

Holness said former Prime Ministers P J Patterson and Bruce Golding will be part of the body.

However, no specific roles have yet been outlined for them.

- Erica Virtue

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